Accra: The Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have been directed to rigorously implement the Energy Efficiency Regulations at the local level. This mandate aims to ensure that public buildings, such as district offices, schools, and health facilities, utilize energy-efficient appliances for lighting, cooling, ventilation, and water heating.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Eunice A. Biritwum, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, emphasized this directive during a workshop focused on 'Scaling Up Energy Efficiency and Management among Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area.' She highlighted the importance of replacing inefficient street lighting with advanced LED and solar lighting systems, and conducting energy audits of municipal buildings to invest in retrofits, which would reduce long-term operating costs.

Mrs. Biritwum further urged the Assemblies to act as educators for the public on sustainable energy use and conservation practices, while advocating for sustainable development within their communities. She also encouraged the MMDAs to appoint energy managers responsible for monitoring energy use, collecting data, and introducing interventions to control energy consumption.

Mrs. Biritwum confirmed the Energy Commission's readiness to support MMDAs through technical training, capacity-building initiatives, policy guidance, and regulatory support. She stated that energy efficiency is not only about technological choices but also about leadership and vision, emphasizing the need to prioritize long-term national resilience over short-term conveniences.

Mrs. Lilian Baeka, the Chief Director of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, acknowledged the collaboration with C40 Cities, a climate leadership group, and the Regional Climate Change Steering Committee. She stressed the importance of collective action in addressing climate challenges and expressed optimism that participants would share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and take practical steps towards achieving net-zero carbon municipal buildings by 2050.

Mr. Lawrence Musey, the lead consultant for DTT Energy Limited, noted the rising energy usage in Accra due to neglect from residents, unavailability of solar systems, faulty gadgets, and lack of maintenance of electronic devices. He recommended policy restructuring and the implementation of an Energy Management System (EMS) for effective energy management.

Mr. Evans Asamoah Adjei, C40 City Advisor, called for continuous capacity building and the adoption of best practices to ensure energy is used proportionately.